Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivers a war anniversary statement in Tokyo on Aug. 14. Abe expressed deep remorse over World War II and said previous national apologies were unshakeable, but emphasised future generations should not have to keep saying sorry. (Toru Yamanaka,AFP/Getty Images)
Re: “Japan’s Shinzo Abe is right: Enough with the historical apologies,” Aug. 19 letter to the editor.
Letter-writer Jim Malec indicates that we should stop apologizing for what happened more than 100 years ago to Native Americans and African-Americans. He appears to be confusing Japanese apologies following World War II with complaints from many Americans that “it is time for them (primarily African-Americans) to get over it” — it is time to move on.
Considering that the persistent behavior which occurred over a period of 300-plus years, including events into the 21st century, could be considered cultural genocide, we are far from providing that same amount of time for healing and recovery. It is stunning to witness how difficult it is, economically, educationally and emotionally, for a minority culture to reclaim its identity and achieve equal footing with the dominant culture after having a foot on its throat for such a period of time.
Given our nation’s past, it will be time to get over it when equality has been achieved.
Bill Patterson, Highlands Ranch
This letter was published in the Aug. 24 edition.
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